The Measles Vaccine: Fact versus fiction

May 19, 2025

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases that humans have ever faced. For every one person who has measles, 12 to 18 more people will become infected if they are unvaccinated.

Right now, the U.S. is in the midst of the worst measles outbreak in decades. With vaccination rates recently declining, young children are especially vulnerable to infection.

With measles cases popping up, even in Philadelphia, read on to learn about the measles vaccine and why it is crucial to protect you and your loved ones.

How is measles spread?

Measles, also known as rubeola, is spread from person to person and is airborne. This means the virus travels through the air as small respiratory droplets. The virus can live in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after a person infected with measles coughs, sneezes or even talks. Infection occurs if you inhale this contaminated air or touch an infected surface and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

A person infected with measles is contagious from four days before to four days after the rash appears – meaning they can spread the virus before they even know they’re sick. Up to 90% of unvaccinated people will get infected if exposed to someone with measles.

The most common myths about the measles vaccine

Make the best decision for you and your loved one’s health by debunking some of the common myths surrounding the measles and measles vaccine:

Myth: Only children can get measles and receive the vaccine.
Reality: Measles can also affect adults who are unvaccinated or have not received both doses. While adults can be vaccinated, there are specific age guidelines and recommendations for when the vaccine is most effective. Ask your vybe clinician to learn more.

Myth: My decisions about vaccines aren’t hurting anyone else.

Reality: Widespread vaccination is a critical part of public health effort to control outbreaks. If 95% or more of the population is vaccinated, the disease can be contained and eliminated as it has been for the past 25 years. Recent outbreaks and deaths are a direct result of measles spreading among unvaccinated individuals. The MMR vaccine has been around for over 60 years and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that 97% of people vaccinated with both doses of MMR or MMRV will have lifetime immunity.

Myth: The measles vaccine causes measles.
Reality: The vaccine does not give you measles. Instead, it stimulates your immune system to produce antibodies, which fight off the measles virus if exposed. This can prevent infection and significantly reduce the severity of measles. The potential side effects of the measles vaccine are the same as any other injection, including a sore spot at the vaccination site. There have been many studies on the vaccine proving its safety and verifying that there is no connection to this vaccine causing autism.

Myth: A healthy child will have mild symptoms and recover quickly from the measles.
Reality: Even in healthy children, measles can lead to severe complications and even death. Complications of the measles cause about 1 in 5 infected children to be hospitalized. These complications can cause breathing problems, pneumonia, ear infections that can lead to hearing loss, swelling of the brain and more.

Get vaccinated! The benefits of protecting yourself and your loved ones against measles far outweigh the small potential for side effects associated with vaccines.

What vaccine protects against getting the measles?

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, while the MMRV vaccine additionally protects against varicella (chicken pox). In the rare chance you get the measles after being vaccinated, you will experience milder symptoms, a shorter time being sick and be less contagious.

The recommended dosage schedules for both MMR and MMRV vaccines are:

1st dose at 12-15 months old

2nd dose at 4-6 years old

Older children, adolescents, and adults with no evidence of immunity need 1-2 doses of the MMR vaccine, which should be given at least 28 days apart. The MMRV vaccine is not recommended after 12 years of age.

Protect yourself and others

vybe offers the measles vaccine at our Spring Garden and Havertown locations. If you or your child already show signs of having measles, visit your local primary care provider or pediatrician ASAP to discuss your symptoms and get guidance on the next steps.

If you do not have a primary provider or pediatrician or they are not available, contact the Philadelphia Department of Public Health or a hospital emergency department for further instructions.

Walk in or schedule an appointment online today to get vaccinated to protect yourself and your loved ones!

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vybe urgent care is Philadelphia’s leading independent urgent care provider delivering care to adults and children throughout the Philadelphia region. Open 7 days a week, vybe delivers an affordable and convenient alternative to long emergency room wait times and the limited hours of family physicians. In addition to welcoming walk-ins, vybe offers telemedicine for those who wish to see a doctor online. vybe accepts major insurance plans and provides a comprehensive range of urgent care services such as illness and injury treatment, digital x-rays, EKG, lab testing, physicals, immunizations, and occupational medicine. Find the medical care you need with the convenience you want at vybe urgent care locations throughout the Philadelphia area.